Researchers at the University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center have reported numerous early cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can cause a variety of equine problems, including abortion, a flu-like illness, and uveitis (moon blindness). Leptospirosis can spread from horses to humans.

High incidences of leptospirosis-induced abortions in Central Kentucky horses could be caused by a tandem effect of temperature and precipitation in certain years, said Capt. David Hall of the U.S. Air Force.